How are indie filmmakers in Kolkata affected by the industry associations?

Indie filmmakers face challenges in releasing their films commercially, as they struggle to bypass technicians' unions and deal with issues of unpaid dues owed to industry workers.

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Indie Filmmakers Clash with Unions Over Censorship and Unpaid Dues

Q: What is the controversy surrounding the SRFTI student's film?

The SRFTI student's feature film was barred from release due to objections from the Eastern India Motion Pictures' Association (EIMPA) and the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI).

Q: What is the FCTWEI's stance on supporting indie cinema?

The FCTWEI president, Swarup Biswas, stated that the organization supports indie cinema as long as it is not used as a pretext to withhold payments due to technicians.

15 Nov

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Summary

SRFTI student's film barred from release due to objections from industry associations
Unions concerned about producers defaulting on payments to technicians
Indie directors struggle to release films without engaging guild members

Indie Filmmakers Clash with Unions Over Censorship and Unpaid Dues

As of 2025-11-15T16:16:38+00:00, a recent controversy involving the censorship of an SRFTI student's feature film has ignited a debate among independent filmmakers in Kolkata. The student's film was barred from release due to objections from the Eastern India Motion Pictures' Association (EIMPA) and the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI).

This incident is seen by many as a potential turning point for the industry, especially with the increasing influence of AI, the use of high-end mobile cameras for filming, and the emergence of new online platforms for film distribution. The FCTWEI president, Swarup Biswas, clarified that the organization supports indie cinema as long as it is not used as a pretext to withhold payments due to technicians.